Nanda dynasty was the first Shudra dynasty in Indian history. In it’s extent the empire was from Bengal to Punjab and

from Himalaya to Vindhyas. It was also considered the wealthiest dynasty of the time.

​

MAHAPADMA NANDA (345BC - 329BC)

He was the Shudra son of Mahanandi, the last ruler of Shishunaga dynasty. He killed his father and captured the  throne of Pataliputra. He established dynasty of his own. He conquered the remaining Mahajanapada states :

Mithila, Vitihotra, Kuru, Shurasena, Panchala, Kalinga, Ashmaka Kashi , Haihaya and Ikshvaku

​

According to Buddhist records he had the title of UGRASENA meaning leader of the Strong army. He was called as SARVA KSHATRANTAKA as he ended the Kshatriya dynasties and became Samrat of Gangaridai, according to Ptolemy,  the whole area of Ganga basin from north India to Bengal delta. After the death of Mahapadma Nanda in 329BC, his eight sons ruled the empire one after the other for the next eight years and the youngest son  Dhana Nanda, became the last ruler of the dynasty.

Sons of Mahapadma Nanda : Panduka, Pandugaka, Bhutapala, Rashtrapala, Govishanka, Dashasiddaka, Kaivartha & Dhana

He was cruel ruler and always lived in his fantasy world of luxury. He neglected the duties of a ruler. He was unpopular among his subjects. He was named as AGRAMMES or XANDRAMMES in Greek records. His army was very big and consisted of 2 lakh Infantry, 2 lakh Cavalry, 2000 Chariots and 3000 war elephants

During his reign between 327 BC-325 BC Greek army invaded India. Alexander, the Great King defeated Porus in Sindh region & wanted to proceed further in to India, but his army was already restless and afraid of the strong army of Magadha. Alexander had to return back.

​

Chanakya, a Brahmin guru from Taxila visited Magadha court, to seek help from the ruler to save his native from the tortures of the residing Greek army. Dhana Nanda humiliated Chanakya and He threw him out of the court. Chanakya cursed and warned him that his bad rule would end soon!

​

The important members of Dhana Nanda’s court were : Mantri Sakatal, who helped Chanakya to seek his revenge.

Amatya Rakshasa, who was Nanda’s minister & the main character of MUDRA RAKSHASA, drama by Vishakhadatta.

Kalpaka, military advisor and Bhadrabala, the commander Chanakya took his revenge by killing the bad king

Dhana Nanda through Chandra Gupta Maurya. Chandra Gupta Maurya married Nandini, daughter of

Dhana Nanda, after he became new king of Magadha